Abstract: A control system for an implement (10) mounted on a tractor (11) via a three point linkage (10) and which has one or more depth control wheels (13) which contact the ground and which support at least part of the weight of the implement. The three point linkage has an upper link (17) and two lower links (14, 15), the upper link including an adjusting means such as an hydraulic cylinder (18) to vary its effective length and the lower links being provided with raising means (16) to raise the implement. The control system has a control unit (23) which received signals indicative of the level of slippage of one or more wheels of the tractor and which in response to a wheel slippage level above a first level (X) operates the adjusting means (18) to shorten the effective length of the upper link (17) to transfer some of the weight of the implement (10) onto the tractor to reduce wheel slippage.

Abstract: The hitch on a vehicle is moved by a hydraulic actuator. A method for controlling the hydraulic actuator defines a draft force setpoint in response to separately averaging two forces acting on lateral sides of the hitch, while operating in a configuration mode. During regular operation, a draft load is calculated from sensing those two forces and deriving a draft force error from difference between the draft load and the draft force setpoint. The draft force error is used to control fluid flow to and from the hydraulic actuator. One aspect of the control method derates the draft force error as the hitch moves beyond a predefined threshold position.

Abstract: A control system for a mobile excavation machine is disclosed. The control system may include a ground engaging work tool, a sensor, and a controller. The sensor may be configured to sense a parameter indicative of a current travel speed of the mobile excavation machine and generate a speed signal in response thereto. The controller may be in communication with the ground engaging work tool and the sensor, and configured to receive the signal. The controller may also be configured to determine a cutting depth of the ground engaging work tool into a material and calculate a current productivity value associated with removal of the material based on the speed signal and the determined cutting depth. The controller may be further configured to control the ground engaging work tool to vary the amount of material currently being removed in response to the current productivity value.

Abstract: A control system for a machine having a power source, a traction device, and a ripping tool is disclosed. The control system may have a slip sensor configured to generate at least one signal indicative of machine slippage, and at least one actuator operable to position the ripping tool. The control system may also have a controller in communication with the slip sensor, the at least one actuator, and the power source. The controller may be configured to receive at least one operator input indicative of an acceptable slip value, and determine actual machine slippage based on the at least one signal. The controller may also be configured to directly and separately regulate a speed of the machine and a position of the ripping tool during an excavation process based on the acceptable slip value and actual machine slippage.

Abstract: A draft load control system for an agricultural tractor having electronic engine and draft load controllers interconnected by a digital communications bus over which parameters for engine load are made readily available to the draft load controller. The draft load control system is suitable for front-mounted, rear-mounted, or towed implements without requiring additional sensing equipment.

Abstract: A system and process for controlling propulsion and steering of a track trencher excavation machine powered by an engine includes a multiple mode propulsion and steering control system that performs a plurality of functions depending on a selection of one of a plurality of operational modes. A controller generates a vehicle propulsion hydrostatic drive signal optionally using a track drive hydraulic pressure or a track drive speed as a variable for modifying the propulsion drive signal. The controller optionally uses a hydraulic attachment drive pressure as a variable for further modifying the propulsion drive signal.

Abstract: A mechanical hitch control system for a vehicle includes a draft force sensing member, a mechanical hitch control unit, a hitch valve actuator, and a cable transmitting a draft force signal to the hitch control unit. A draft cam is coupled to the draft force sensing and setting members. A position cam is coupled to the position setting member and to a hitch position sensing member. A draft pickup cam is coupled to the draft cam and pivotally mounted on the hitch position setting member. At least one of the cams is operatively engagable with the hitch valve actuator. The cams are enclosed by housing with an opening covered by a removable side plate. The cams and levers are coupled to input members which are inserted through the side plate. The assembled cams, levers and input members are then installed into the housing through the opening.

Abstract: A draft load control system for a primary motive power source that uses hitch cylinder pressure to provide input to the control system of the draft load on the power source caused by a hitch-connected or a towed, ground-engaging implement.

Abstract: An automatic control system for passive, towed implements is described. The system provides a strategy for optimal control of a towed implement using a nudge input to an autopilot-controlled tractor. Implement path-tracking error, as measured by a GNSS receiver, is consistently corrected to zero.

Abstract: System and method for automatically adjusting control gains on an earthmoving machine include a control system for controlling mechanisms that supply power to an earthmoving implement. The gains associated with the force to the implement are automatically adjusted depending on a blade load that may be determined by a calculation of torque attributable to a blade load. The control gains include a proportional gain and a derivative gain that may be used to determine a control effort lift command associated with the control gains for supplying an appropriate gain to the mechanisms that control the implement.

Abstract: A method of increasing efficiency and avoiding or reducing potential stall conditions is accomplished by configuring a ripper of a track type tractor responsive to a net force vector acting on the ripper. The net force vector is indicative of the various forces and pressures acting on the ripper, and the values indicative of these forces can be sensed. For instance, the force and value indicative of the force magnitude can be sensed by monitoring driveline torque, whereas the force vector angle can be derived from ripper tilt and lift actuator pressures. The ripper is configured responsive to the force vector magnitude and direction either via a control algorithm, or by inputs generated by an operator.

Abstract: A theorem and method for determining the weight and center of gravity of a ground-engaging implement connected to a three-point hitch on an agricultural tractor or other prime mover using hitch cylinder pressure and hitch position as calibration inputs to a hitch control system.

Abstract: A method for dividing soil is disclosed. The method includes towing a frame via a hitch at a first end of the frame. The method also includes supporting the frame on the soil via an axle extending transversely of the frame, the axle connected to the frame between the first end of the frame and a second end of the frame. The method further includes dividing the soil with a plurality of rotatable discs attached to the frame between the frame and the soil, a first portion of the plurality of discs located between the first end of the frame and the axle, and a second portion of the plurality of discs located between the axle and the second end of the frame, wherein the first portion is aligned non-parallel with respect to the second portion. The method further includes moving the frame relative to the hitch to pivot about the axle.

Abstract: A draft load control system for an agricultural tractor coupled to a semi-trailed, ground-engaging implement that monitors implement height using sensors located on the tractor or sensors coupled to an on-board control communications system and adjusts the implement position in relation to the ground through coordinated action of the three-point hitch and the on-implement position actuator based on draft load, implement height, and tractor wheel-slip to maintain a more accurate, consistent draft load on the tractor while maintaining the implement engaged with the ground and preventing the tractor-implement ground speed from being reduced to zero.

Abstract: A draft load control system for an agricultural tractor towing a trailed, ground-engaging implement that monitors implement height using sensors located on the tractor or sensors coupled to an on-board control communications system and adjusts the implement position in relation to the ground based on draft load, implement height, and tractor wheel-slip to maintain a more accurate, consistent draft load on the tractor while maintaining the implement engaged with the ground and preventing the tractor-implement ground speed from being reduced to zero.

Abstract: A control system for a mobile excavation machine is disclosed. The control system may have a ground engaging work tool, a sensor, and a controller. The sensor may be configured to sense a parameter indicative of a current travel speed of the mobile excavation machine and generate a speed signal in response thereto. The controller may be in communication with the ground engaging work tool and the sensor, and configured to receive the signal. The controller may also be configured to determine an amount of material currently being moved by the work tool and calculate a current productivity value associated with removal of the material based on the speed signal and the determined amount of material currently being moved. The controller may be further configured to control the ground engaging work tool to vary the amount of material currently being moved in response to the current productivity value.

Abstract: A draft load control system for a primary motive power source that uses hitch cylinder pressure to provide input to the control system of the draft load on the power source caused by a hitch-connected or a towed, ground-engaging implement.

Abstract: A process of setting the length of an upper steering arm of an attaching device of a tractor. The attaching device includes the upper steering arm with a power drive provided for length setting purposes; a length sensor to determine the actual length of the upper steering arm; two lower steering arms with a lifting mechanism to lift and lower the lower steering arm; a lift sensor to determine the actual position of lift of the steering unit; as well as a control unit. The nominal lengths of the upper steering arm (7), to be determined as a function of the directions of movement of the lifting mechanism, are stored in the control unit. Determining the actual length of the upper steering arm (7), the actual position of lift of the lifting mechanism and the direction of movement of the lifting mechanism.

Abstract: A dozer blade control system controls the position of a bulldozer blade, maintaining the blade at a constant position as the dozer travels through a worksite. The control system monitors the angle of the dozer blade with respect to the earth and when it senses that the dozer blade is tilting, it corrects the dozer blade's position by extending or retracting hydraulic cylinders that couple the dozer blade to the chassis of the crawler-tractor. When the dozer chassis pitches forwards, the blade begins to tilt forward and to drop closer to the ground. The control system senses this forward rotation of the blade and retracts the hydraulic cylinders that couple the blade to the chassis, causing the blade to return to and maintain its original position.

Abstract: A draft force sensor is provided for a coupling member coupled between a towing vehicle and a towed earth engaging implement, such as a scraper. The draft force sensor includes first and second bores extending through the coupling member. Each bore has a horizontal axis which extends perpendicular to a main fore-and-aft axis of the coupling member. The second bore is positioned above the first bore and spaced apart from the first bore. Each of the bores is surrounded by an outer cylindrical wall. Four electrical strain gauges are spaced apart and placed on the wall of each of the bores. A center line bisects an axis line which extends between the axes of the first and second bores. The axis of each bore is spaced apart from the center line by a distance which is less than a diameter of the bores. The strain gauges are connected electrically in a circuit which generates a draft force signal in response to draft forces applied to the coupling member.

Abstract: A method and system of managing a configuration of mechanical equipment provides a structured procedure for managing information on parameters of the mechanical equipment to facilitate the maintenance of safety, legal compliance, performance, and reliability of the mechanical equipment. A desired configuration of the mechanical equipment is defined based on a design objective, such as safety, reliability, performance, or any combination of the foregoing objectives. An actual configuration of the mechanical equipment is determined based on an evaluation of the mechanical equipment. Upgrade requirements are planned for upgrading the actual configuration to the desired configuration if the actual configuration is noncompliant with the desired configuration.

Abstract: A device for controlling the position of a mountable implement relative to an implement carrier vehicle has a mountable implement (2, 3, 4) which can be moved at a predetermined height by the implement carrier 1 following the ground. A support element (11, 19, 20), is coupled to the mountable implement (2, 3, 4) and can be attached to the implement carrier vehicle (1). A coupling device (15, 17, 18), is connected to the mountable implement (2, 3, 4) and to the support element (11, 19, 20). The mountable implement (2, 3, 4) is freely adjusted to a lifting position corresponding to the height path relative to the support element (11, 19, 20). An attachment device (6, 7, 8) attaches the support element (11, 19, 20) to the implement carrier vehicle 1 having a lifting device. A sensor determines the actual lifting position of the mountable implement (2, 3, 4) relative to the support element (11, 19, 20). A control device determines the deviation of the actual lifting position from a desired lifting position.

Abstract: A control system controls a three point implement hitch assembly of a tractor. The three point implement hitch assembly includes an upper link and two lower links. The upper link includes an adjustable length double acting hydraulic unit. The position of each lower link is controlled by an adjustable length double acting hydraulic unit. A hydraulic circuit controls communication between the hydraulic units, a hydraulic supply and a hydraulic tank. The circuit permits each hydraulic unit to be controlled independently of one another.

Abstract: A hitch control system controls a vehicle hitch to which implements can be attached. The hitch control system includes a spring-centered primary command lever which is manually moveable from a centered position to deflected positions, and which automatically returns to the centered position when released from a deflected position. A control unit generates a hitch command signal in part as a function of the lever position. The control unit has a closed-loop control mode wherein the valve command signal is generated in response to parameter, such as position and draft force, and the hitch command signal. The control unit moves the hitch in a step-wise manner by a predetermined amount in response to momentary deflection of the command lever to one of the deflected positions, and the amount of hitch movement is independent of an amount and duration of deflection of the command lever if the duration is not more than a predetermined duration.

Abstract: A lift cylinder arrangement is disclosed for a hydraulic support frame for underground mining. The support frame has a lift cylinder for lifting the base shoes during advancing, which is supported on the one hand on a return rod and on the other hand, in a pivoting manner, with an end supporting head to a drawbar connected to the base shoes. In order to allow a simple, rapid and reliable connection between the supporting head and the drawbar, the supporting head is connected to the drawbar by a plug-type locking system comprising two plug-type locking elements, which include first locking notches on the drawbar, and arranged complementarily thereto second locking notches on the supporting head, whereby the plug-type locking elements engage in at least one of the locking notches with clearance.

Abstract: A hitch control system for a work vehicle combines a front suspension position signal, a hitch load signal and a hitch position signal to generate a valve command signal that controls hitch position so as to alleviate pitching and maximize front wheel ground contact time.

Abstract: A hitch for coupling an implement to a utility vehicle includes adjustable length coupling elements and a pivotal coupling unit coupled thereto. A control system automatically controls the length of the coupling elements to control the direction of the line of action of the draft forces, the position of the towing point defined by the coupling unit, and the orientation of the Implement relative to the utility vehicle. The control system includes sensors for sensing the position of the implement relative to the vehicle, for determining a set of reference positions, and for sensing forces applied to the coupling elements. The control system also automatically controls the length of the coupling elements as a function of the sensor signals.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid diverting arrangement for a utility vehicle provides additional pressurized hydraulic fluid supply to an installed backhoe attachment by diverting hydraulic fluid from the unused rockshaft or three-point hitch of the utility vehicle. A solenoid operated valve manifold is switch actuated by contact from the backhoe during installation of the backhoe to the utility vehicle and diverts hydraulic fluid flow from rockshaft hydraulic cylinders to backhoe hydraulic cylinders. The system increases the available horsepower to the backhoe by using hydraulic fluid otherwise dedicated to the idle rockshaft.

Abstract: A hydraulic lift device for an attaching device of a tractor which has a hydraulic pressure supply device and a hydraulic tank, comprising for each of two lower steering arms, a double acting hydraulic cylinder having a cylinder housing, a piston rod, a piston with a piston-end piston area and a piston rod-end piston area, as well as a piston-end cylinder chamber and a piston rod-end cylinder chamber. The device further comprises a first switching valve, which has at least three switching positions and four ports. The first port represents a connection to the pressure supply device. The second port represents the connection to the hydraulic tank. The third port represents the connection to the piston-end cylinder chamber of the first hydraulic cylinder and the fourth port represents the connection to the piston rod-end cylinder chamber of the second hydraulic chamber.

Abstract: An implement/vehicle hitch system for coupling implements to a utility vehicle includes two hydraulic cylinders for adjusting the position of the implement. The hydraulic cylinders are connected to a pair of motor/pump units which cause the hydraulic cylinders to operate in a synchronous manner.

Abstract: A work vehicle such as an agricultural tractor includes means for the operator to select between manual or automatic engine speed control and to select among multiple automatic modes each having a different amount by which the engine speed is reduced when the load is reduced and the transmission is up-shifted to maintain the vehicle ground speed. This enables the operator to match the degree of engine speed reduction to the particular task at hand for improved performance and productivity. Preferably, the transmission is an infinitely variable transmission whereby the engine speed and the transmission can both be varied infinitely.

Abstract: A tractor/implement combination is controlled through the use of real-time data on the true draft force generated by engagement of an implement with the ground. A method of controlling a tractor/implement combination includes obtaining and storing calibration data on the torque generated at the tractor flywheel, while the implement is disengaged from the ground, including such data the rolling resistance and frictional/parasitic losses between the flywheel and driven wheel axle of the tractor. During subsequent operation of the tractor/implement combination, the calibration data is subtracted from instantaneous data to generate a signal indicative of the implement draft force. The draft force signal may be factored to take account of the tractor power train ratio and the rolling radius of the tractor tires. The method allows generation of accurate draft force data, regardless of the nature and mounting location of the implement.

Abstract: The entire right, title and interest in and to this application and all subject matter disclosed and/or claimed therein, including any and all divisions, continuations, reissues, etc., thereof are, effective as of the date of execution of this application, assigned, transferred, sold and set over by the applicant(s) named herein to Deere & Company, a Delaware corporation having offices at Moline, Ill. 61265, U.S.A., together with all rights to file, and to claim priorities in connection with, corresponding patent applications in any and all foreign countries in the name of Deere & Company or otherwise.

Abstract: A hitch control system controls a hitch for coupling an implement to a utility vehicle. The hitch includes longitudinally adjustable coupling elements operable to shift or pivot the implement in a lateral direction relative to the utility vehicle. A sensor, such as a wheel steering angle sensor, senses a parameter associated with lateral or turning movements of the vehicle. A control unit automatically adjusts the length of the coupling elements as a function of the sensor signals so that the position of the implement relative to the vehicle is adapted to the curved path. This reduces the outer radius of the area over which the vehicle and implement travel when traveling along a curved path and helps avoid collisions with objects.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a velocity of an implement and thereby moving an implement to a desired position. A control system has input signals representative of the implement arm limit position, the implement arm actual position and the implement arm desired position and outputs a signal representative of a desired velocity. The control system determines an arm velocity as a function of the arm limit position and the arm actual position and a second velocity as a function of the arm actual position and the arm desired position. The desired velocity is a function of the arm velocity when the arm velocity has a predetermined relationship to the second velocity, and the desired velocity is a function of the second velocity when the arm velocity signal does not have the predetermined relationship to the second velocity.

Abstract: A method of selecting pneumatic devices that satisfy specified load, speed and strength conditions to construct a pneumatic system. Data concerning pneumatic actuators, solenoid-controlled selector valves, drive controllers, pipes, pipe joints and exhaust treatment devices is stored in a pneumatic actuator database, a solenoid-controlled selector valve database, a drive controller database, a pipe database, a pipe joint database and an exhaust treatment device database, respectively, for each item number, and conditions required for pneumatic devices constituting a system are calculated. Then, pneumatic devices conforming to the calculated conditions are selected from the respective databases. At the first step, a pneumatic actuator satisfying a load condition, a strength condition and a speed condition is selected from the pneumatic actuator database on the basis of a calculation according to a basic equation.

Abstract: The position of the blade of a motor grader is controlled to maintain a smoothly graded surface even when the grader's front wheels travel over undulating ungraded ground. This is accomplished by sensing the degree to which the grader frame pivots with respect to the rear wheels and employing the pivot angle to derive the resultant change in blade position. That change is used to operate a mechanism that produces movement of the blade relative to the earth thereby compensating for effects of the pivoting action.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling a work implement in order to enable an earth moving machine to move to a service area after a failure within an implement control system occurs. The method includes the steps of detecting the failure of the implement control system, enabling a limp home mode in response to the failure, and controlling the implement into a limp home position through operator interaction using a display and either an associated keypad or a touch screen.

Abstract: A processing device for determining a position of a first member capable of movement in at least two axes. A first processing device receives a first member actual position along a first axis. The first processing device determines and transmits a first member limit position along a second axis as a function of the first member actual position along the first axis.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for a work vehicle includes a first draft link adapted to be pivotably coupled to the work vehicle, a second draft link adapted to be pivotably coupled to the work vehicle, a first linear actuator having a first end adapted to be pivotably coupled to the vehicle and a second end pivotably coupled to the first draft link and a linear member having a third end adapted to be pivotably coupled to the work vehicle and a fourth end pivotably coupled to the second draft link. The first and second draft links are pivotable relative to one another. The first linear actuator is actuatable to different lengths to pivot the first draft link relative to the linear member. In one exemplary embodiment, the linear member comprises a second linear actuator.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer position sensor for use as part of an automatic depth control system. The ultrasonic transducer position sensor works with a Console and remote Controller mounted in the tractor cab, power beyond Valving, and Depth Sensors, either ground contact or non-ground contact, mounted on the frame of the implement. The depth sensing system is provided to sense the actual penetration of an implement tool by determining the height of the implement frame above the ground.

Abstract: A drive arrangement (62) for transferring rotational motion from a pin (44) of a draft arm (14,16) of a hitch assembly (10) to a position sensor (64). The drive arrangement (62) includes a driver (68) that acts as a wear compensation mechanism (66).

Abstract: A system for reducing tractor pitching is disclosed, including a tractor with a hitch couplable to an implement, a force transducer that provides a force signal indicative of a force applied to the hitch by an implement, a position transducer to provide a position signal indicative of a position of the hitch, a hydraulic actuator to raise and lower the hitch, a control valve that responds to the force and position transducers to generate a valve signal, where the control circuit receives the force and position signals and drives a pitch-reducing control valve signal therefrom.

Abstract: A device for the control and adjustment of hydraulic cylinders on work attachments and assemblies of work machines, preferably self-propelled harvesting machines. Increasing the performance of harvesting machines for bringing in crops efficiently and without loss requires rapid, uncomplicated adaptation of the harvesting machines and front harvesting attachments to the respective load and operating conditions. The front harvesting attachments and wheel carriages are connected to the hydraulic circuit of the harvesting machine and driven automatically by means of the electronic control system as a function of the respective working and operating conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for positioning a farming implement connected to a farm work vehicle controlled by an operator. The apparatus includes an actuation system for positioning the implement with respect to a reference, a position sensor for providing a position signal indicative of the position of the implement above the reference, and an electronic control unit for receiving the position signal. The electronic control unit is operatively connected to the actuation system, and directs the actuation system to stop the implement if a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the position signal indicates that the implement has reached a predetermined position. An apparatus and method is also disclosed for positioning one or more markers associated with a farming implement connected to a farm work vehicle controlled by an operator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a hitch system on a work machine, the hitch system having a work implement attached. The method and apparatus includes determining at least one force applied to at least one of the work machine and the work implement, determining at least one distance from a predetermined point on the hitch system to a desired at least one point on at least one of the work machine and the work implement, calculating at least one moment for at least one of the work machine and the work implement, responsively determining a desired pressure to apply to a powered linear actuator located on the hitch system to obtain a desired load distribution point on the work machine, and applying the desired pressure to the powered linear actuator.

Abstract: A control system for a hitched or trailed implement coupled to a work vehicle is disclosed herein. The control system allows control to be selectively transferred between various types of implements by use of a hydraulic selector valve. An electronic control unit controls the actions of a hitch assembly actuator, a trailed implement, an auxiliary device, or some combination thereof as determined by the configuration of the hydraulic selector valve.

Abstract: A method and device for automatically adjusting the lightening of a working unit (U) of a machine by use of a hydraulic ram (57) associated with a hydropneumatic accumulator (67). Use is made of a second hydraulic ram (58) of which the piston (53), which can move as far as a predetermined position (PP) in the cylinder (C2) and which is detached from the rod (46) of the first hydraulic ram (57), acts directly or indirectly on the latter rod via the oil (O) contained in the first hydraulic ram (57). The working unit (U) is raised and lowered by the second hydraulic ram (58). When raising the working unit (U), the volume of oil in the first hydraulic ram (57) is increased or decreased in such a way that the working unit (U) is always at a predetermined height (HP) at the end of raising travel.

Abstract: A hitch assembly control system for an off-highway vehicle such as an agricultural tractor is operable in both position and draft control modes. The control system is capable of transitioning from the position mode to the draft mode, and from the draft mode to the position mode, under particular conditions. For the transition from position to draft mode, these conditions include a target hitch position being greater than both a hitch position command and a hitch position feedback. For the transition from draft to position mode, these conditions include the hitch position command being greater than the hitch position plus a hysteresis factor, or less than the hitch position command that existed back at the transition into the draft mode.

Abstract: A method for determining the front and rear axle weights of an earth moving machine. The method includes determining the weight of a portion of the earth moving machine, and the forces acting on the lift cylinder pin, lift arm pin, and the tilt cylinder pin. The axle weights are determined in response to the above mentioned weights and forces.